
Part of the joy of discovering local breweries is exploring the diverse regions where they produce their beers. The personality of each brewery is as unique as their alcohol selections, and the cities they're located in all offer up a distinctive flair.
If you're in the mood to try something new, why don't you consider one of these fun, beer-themed weekend trips? Perfect for the craft beer enthusiast and IPA-lover alike, these destinations will provide the tasty drinks you like with the unforgettable experience you're craving.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is an up-and-coming mountain city that is known for its craft beer scene. Earning the title of "Beer City, USA" four times in a row, Asheville has the most breweries, per capita, in the state. While you're there, visit Highland Brewing Company, which produced its first kegs of craft beer in downtown Asheville. Its Tasting Room lets visitors try out house and seasonal brews as well as new recipes created by brewers in the three-barrel pilot system. Beers that test well in the pilot system, like Thunderstruck Coffee Porter, may graduate to seasonal brews.
Another Asheville staple, Green Man Brewery originally started as a brewpub but is now a growing brewery with a focus on production and distribution. Craft beers include signature year-round brews as well as seasonal and occasional offerings like the well-known Rainmaker Double IPA.
Denver, Colorado
This booming city has over 200 breweries crafting the whole gamut, making it a popular destination for beer enthusiasts. When you visit, be sure to participate in its thriving outdoor scene, whether that's hiking, kayaking, camping, or simply enjoying an ale on a cabin porch. Visit Breckenridge Brewery, a Denver staple and one of the state's first craft breweries. Try one of its classics, like the Vanilla Porter or Oatmeal Stout, or opt for one of its seasonal choices, like Summer Pils or Autumn Ale.
Another must-visit is the award-winning Great Divide® Brewing Company, which has earned 18 Great American Beer Festival medals, 14 spots on BeerAdvocate's "Top Rated Beers: Colorado" in 2015, and five World Beer Cup awards. Its popular Yeti Imperial Stout is a best-seller, and its Hercules Double IPA is worth a try if you're a fan of hoppy beer.
San Diego, California
If you think California is known only for its wine scene, think again. San Diego boasts over 70 breweries in its limits alone, and there are over 400 more breweries statewide. Stop by Stone Brewing for a 45-minute tour and an exclusive tasting in its outdoor beer garden. This gorgeous Escondido brewery offers beers from its own line, as well as some from the city's other top brewers.
While you're at it, visit Green Flash Brewing Company to enjoy its 4,000-square foot tasting room and beer garden. Sip on refreshing beers with fun names like Palate Wrecker, Passion Fruit Kicker, and Le Freak. Green Flash also offers a host of engaging activities to participate in, from trivia nights to guitar workshops.
No matter where you decide to go, you're sure to find an adventure in any of these beer-centric cities. Just remember: don't drink and drive!